Seven insurance resolutions for the new year

All of us are looking forward to a safe, healthy, and secure new year. And a good place to start is with your PEMCO protection. If you haven't checked lately, it's a good idea to resolve to:

1.    Update your pemco.com self-service account with any changes over the past year. If you haven't yet set up your account, it takes just minutes at pemco.com/Members. With a self-service account, you can change coverages, pay your bill, add drivers or cars, and much more. You also can set up paperless delivery of your billing and policy forms and recieve a paperless discount.

2.    Update (or create) a video inventory of your belongings. If your home is burglarized or damaged in a fire, a video inventory gives you a head start on reclaiming or replacing your possessions. Systematically film room-by-room, starting at the doorway and panning around the space. Zoom in on individual items as you describe each, and capture details like makers' names or marks on the bottom of art pieces and serial numbers on electronics. Don't forget to open every drawer and closet. Store a copy of your video inventory in the cloud or on a USB drive kept somewhere other than your home. 

3.     Check that you're carrying your current PEMCO ID card in your glove box or wallet. Or, to ensure it's with you all the time, download it into your digital wallet through the GO PEMCO app. You can also access it in your browser at pemco.com

4.     Tell us about remodeling that may affect your home's value. If you're replacing "like with like" (for example, worn laminate countertops with new laminate countertops), your policy automatically keeps up. However, if you upgrade (switching from laminate to granite), you'll want to share the change with us. Also let us know about new additions like decks or fences.

5.     Protect high-value items. Like virtually all homeowners and renter policies sold in the United States, your PEMCO policy has maximum combined and individual limits for certain types of high-value belongings like jewelry, fine art, and more. For example, our policies cap jewelry coverage at a combined value of $5,000 with a maximum of $2,500 per item. If that's no longer enough, call 1-800-GO-PEMCO or log in to your pemco.com account to protect your valuables with per-item coverage (with no deductible).

6.     Make sure you're getting all the discounts you can. Life changes, and that means you may qualify for discounts that didn't apply when you took out your PEMCO policy. For example, are you now driving fewer miles per year than you used to? Have you added a protective device in your home like a security alarm or monitored water or gas sensors? If you're 55 or older, a defensive driving course can also save you. Call us. We may be able to cut your bill!

7.     Prevent costly home and auto claims.  A few simple steps can save you from expensive surprises:

• Home safety checks: Clean gutters to prevent water damage, inspect your roof for loose shingles, and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
• Winter readiness: Protect pipes from freezing, trim tree branches near your home, and keep walkways clear to avoid liability claims.
• Auto care: Keep up with routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Store an emergency kit in your car and avoid distracted driving.
• Seasonal awareness: Adjust driving habits for icy or wet roads, and check that your tires are properly inflated for winter conditions.

As we step into a new year, it’s not just about resolutions—it’s about resilience. Taking a few proactive steps now can help safeguard your home, car, and belongings, while giving you peace of mind that your coverage is keeping pace with your life. We’re here to help you protect what matters most to you, so you can focus on enjoying the year ahead with confidence.